F1 Cars are Visiting Marina Bay Street Circuit for a Decade

Opened in 2008, Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore is a temporary racing venue and home to the Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix.

Night race is the trump card of Marina Bay Street Circuit

Located in the harbourside, similar to street circuits in Monaco and Valencia, Marina Bay Street Circuit is a very attractive venue, especially knowing that the Singapore Grand Prix is the night race, held entirely under the powerful artificial lighting which adds some glam and more spectacle to the event.

View of Marina Bay Street Circuit during Singapore Grand Prix

The circuit was projected by Hermann Tilke, a German architect who designed most of the new Formula 1 circuits. The track that has FIA Grade 1 license later was developed by KBR Inc. Current circuit, reprofiled before the 2015 Singapore Grand Prix is 5.065 km long with 23 turns. Record lap time holder is Daniel Ricciardo – 1:50.041. The stands capacity is 90.000 seats.

Singapore track is not one of the drivers favorite

The track in Singapore divided opinions between the drivers but most of them had (and still have) negative opinion about the layout. Lewis Hamilton once described famous ’Singapore Sling’ turn as the worst corner in Formula 1. Marina Bay Street Circuit is very bumpy and because of the high humidity, it demands perfect physical preparations from the drivers. This circuit is surely one of the most demanding F1 tracks because both drivers and cars need almost double amount of energy in comparison to other similar tracks.

Detail from 2009 Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix

Over the years, small changes were made at Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore

Drivers also expressed several concerns over the years, mainly about the safety, so the organizers and the FIA approved some changes to the layout but the fact is that the drivers were never really happy about this circuit. Small changes at Marina Bay Street Circuit were made in 2015 but this is still pretty hard track to tame, with a small number of places suitable for overtaking, even after the last modifications.

Besides Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street Circuit hosted the GP2 Series races, as well as the TCR International Series and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia events.

Getting there and accommodation

The circuit is located in downtown of Singapore, so it is easy to find it. Changi Airport is 20 km away from the Marina Bay and offers flights to almost 200 destinations in more than 80 countries. You will need around 30 minutes from the airport to reach Marina Bay using Mass Rapid Transit.

Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most attractive races in the season

Accommodation is also not a problem because Singapore offers plenty of opportunities. You can also check the offers from the organizers of the race because they include tickets for the race.